by Em Pitts
I spotted a familiar slicked back ponytail a moment before his shiny shoes started heading my way. I veered back towards the bar before realizing I had nowhere to go. I couldn't hide in the kitchen this time because there would be no one out front. A voice addressed me as the air blew out of my lungs. I was stuck now.
Turning to Gerlick I put on a mild smile, not wanting him to think I was happy to see him. "Judge, how nice of you to join us today. What can I get you?" His eyes lit up seeing that I was talking to him rather than running away as quick as possible. Trust me, I would if I could.
"I was actually hoping I could speak with you. You have been so busy lately, I wondered if you would like to take a stroll one of these afternoons and relax for a moment." My smile dimmed even more as he asked me out.
Up until now, I knew he wanted something, but he had only tried to talk to me about mundane things. It was the calculating look in his eyes that constantly unnerved me. His gloved hand showed he was gifted, and Ollie and Nick told me he was powerful after meeting him.
But power most certainly did not mean he was a good man. Superman could easily have been a villain if he had the kind of look that Gerlick had in his eyes. Corruption, determination, I could only imagine the people this man had stepped on and forgotten to get where he was. I was sure he wanted me for a purpose too, and not only because he fancied me.
"I'm sorry, but with the trials, Bridget needs all the help she can get. I'm afraid I'll be working around here for a while." I tried to deter Judge. I had to tread carefully with him, not knowing to what extent his power reached.
His smile fell a bit, but the determination seemed to grow. "Of course. I'll see you after the trials have completed then." He grabbed my hand and kissed it goodbye before turning and leaving.
I wiped the back of my hand along my dress uncaring of the eyes who were turned watching the exchange. I wanted hand sanitizer and bug repellent. The repellant might keep him away for a few hours if I sprayed it in his eyes.
I went back to the bar noticing the conversations had lessened while I was speaking with Judge. Wow, these people really are nosey. I looked around trying to give everyone a fuck off stare so they could return to their meals. It was then that I noticed Rose dropping off a plate to Raynor at the bar area. I smiled genuinely and made my way to him when he waved me over.
"So, Judge huh?" He asked and wiped the smile right off my face. I didn't realize I was scowling until he started laughing. "Or not." He placated with raised hands. A patron called me away, leaving Raynor to eat his soup.
A choking noise from Raynor's direction caught my attention. I rushed over as he gulped down water as if he had been in the Sahara. The moment he set the drink down his incredulous expression turned towards his plate. He looked as if the food had deceived him on purpose.
"Are there eggshells in there? And a half a pound of salt drowned in milk?" I looked to the plate realization dawning when I saw a slightly browned teacake. I forgot to tell Rose not to serve those. "A pie yesterday and this today." He pointed his accusing fingers at the plate.
We both looked towards the door at Bridget's voice. She was making her way towards us and waving off someone at the door. Raynor did not give her any time to head back to work.
"Did I do something wrong to you? Do you hate me now?" He asked her clearly believing she was responsible for the food problems. "Can I get a beer, please?" He asked of me. I went ahead and made him a glass knowing he needed to wash the taste out of his mouth.
"What are you on about boy?" She stomped towards us and took in the state of his plate. She picked up the teacake and before I could stop her, she took a bite.
One pale red eyebrow arched upward before she pointed towards the kitchen without a word, meaning for me to follow. I desperately wanted to bite my nails as I slowly walked towards the kitchen. I had no idea if getting fired in this time was any different than in my time, but I was sure I was about to find out.
"You can't cook," Granny stated immediately. No shit. Still, I needed this job and a place to sleep.
"I was practicing." I tried to defend myself. She held up her hand to stop me.
"You can't bake. You are useless here except to fill tubs and clean linens. Rose is twice as fast as you at completing those tasks." She told me in her usual honestly blunt self.
I’m realizing she doesn’t say things unkindly, but more like she respects the truth more than pretty words. I decided to stay quiet to see where this was going. Where am I supposed to stay and work if not here?
"The Teague's are willing to let you help at their home with the children who are not in school." She surprised me by already giving me a solution. "You will go over there at sunup and leave at sundown." She stated in a way to show that I should not argue.
"Where will I be staying?" I asked confused by her not mentioning that important aspect. She looked at me as if I had air for brains.
"In the same room as you have been. Are you expecting an upgrade?" She snorted. I shook my head quickly. I was so thankful that I was not about to be left without a room that I did not question why she was letting me stay with her with no way of paying her back.
"Thank you," I said in relief.
Her face softened for a moment. The expression surprised me. She scolded me, sometimes laughed at me, and was almost always annoyed because of me. To see her looking as if she cared? It was disconcerting.
"Some advice, girly? Watch yourself. I went to your room last night while you were out. Others will notice your absence closer than me. Where you go will be watched. His wives are not the most accommodating women either. It doesn't matter how powerful Judge Snelling is. He will stab you in the back quicker than he can get your skirts hiked up." Her face was tightened in annoyance again. This time I saw what she was truly feeling. She was worried about me.
Disgust filled me at the thought of sneaking out to see the judge. And hike my skirts up? No, thank you. I was surprised to think of him as being married. The way he kept pursuing me didn't feel right when he had someone waiting for him at home.
I hated that Bridget thought that's what I was doing last night. But more than that, I hated the fact that it was normal for people to watch what you do and judge you for it. Hell, if what the guys and Hector told me was true, and I had no reason to doubt them, then I would be punished for my actions as well.
"I was not seeing Judge." I couldn't keep the disgust out of my voice when I stated that. Bridget noticed.
I took a breath before continuing. I needed to say how I felt about her watching me and saying something for my absence. I am her employee and that is all. My actions did not affect my job, therefore, it was not her business, no matter what this small town seemed to think.
"My actions should be my own to judge. Not yours or anyone else's. I deal with my own consequences, no one else."
I was close enough to her for this to become an issue if not dealt with now. And I liked Granny despite everything. I needed her to respect me as I tried to do for her. Her nod of acceptance helped me to relax some.
"I wish that was the way. That we truly found our free will to live as we see fit. Maybe one day we will be our own judge and only be punished by our own hand for our choices in life." She looked hopeful and depressed at the same time. As if, her greatest wish would always be that, a wish and nothing more.
"It will," I stated firmly. I knew the truth even if I could not tell her why. "Women will even be equal to men." I couldn't help but tell her.
It was the opposite here. Although I had not seen women treated as bad as I knew it could have been, it was true that a woman's voice was not near as strong as a man’s here. That's something I honestly can't get used too. I don't mind standing beside a man, but there's no reason I should be pushed so far behind that my voice is not heard.
Granny barked out a laugh that surprised me. She doubled over and kept laughing until she was wheezing. I was getting scared that she would not be able to breathe so I went to her and
tried to straighten her upright while rubbing her back. When her chuckles died off, she spoke with a headshake.
"Equals, she says." She snorts out. "Oh, honey. If you have not figured out by now that a cock speaks louder than a woman's voice, you will never make it in this world." She pats my arm condescendingly. "Go get Rose for me, will you? The lazy arsworm is manning the front, so you can tend rooms for the rest of the day."
I started walking out to do so. My curiosity got the best of me and I couldn't help but ask. "Why did you always keep me in here knowing that I couldn't cook?" She could have been holding out hope that I would learn, I guess.
"So, I could keep an eye on you." She states seriously looking directly at me. "I didn't know you." She has no remorse stating the obvious.
"And now?" I questioned before walking through the doorway.
"I still don't know you." She huffs. Before I turned around, she added. "But I’m learning." I smiled at her begrudging statement. "Tell Raynor to ask Nick to come and take care of the water too." I was confused by the request but left out to do so. I'm sure Raynor would tell me what she meant.
Hector was standing next to Raynor who had drunk almost all of his beer. I cringed at thinking of him eating that pastry. The poor man. I waved at Raynor to get his attention figuring it would be best to talk to him before Rose in case he left soon. Hector was still speaking so I let him finish first.
"...and the Smiths are going mad believing Eliza will be next. I'm working myself ragged and honestly, I'm worried too. She's a sweet girl despite her parents need to be anything but. I've got my own to worry about as well." He shook his head in despair and I second guessed my decision to interrupt. Raynor was looking at me though and waiting for me to speak.
"Gran—Bridget asked if you could tell Nick to come to do something with the water." I probably should stop calling her Granny. I was getting used to it. Hector looked up just now noticing my presence.
Raynor nodded knowing what she meant. "Can I get some water? Edward is busy." He gestured towards Edward who was at one of the tables leaning quite close to a well-endowed woman and laughing loudly. The men around here really like having multiple women.
"I'll get you some water if you tell me what the water thing is that Nick does," I smirked.
"Are you bribing me to do your job?" He raised an eyebrow with a playful look in his eye.
"I'm actually not working the counter anymore. Bridget sent me to the rooms. So yes, it will cost you." He chuckled at me.
"Fair enough. Nick purifies the water so everyone can drink it." I cocked my head in curiosity. I remembered Nick saying something similar about the water not being clean enough to drink when we first came to the tavern. I didn't realize he purified the water for everyone.
"Nick cleans the water for everyone?" Everyone had water here. Sometimes a person would order beer or cider, but it was mainly water. Raynor held his drink up as if to remind me that I needed to fill my end of the bargain. I rolled my eyes but took his cup and rinsed it in a bucket of water before pouring some fresh from the pitcher. I'll need to refill it from the well soon. Only then did he answer my question.
"No, most places don't have clean water. The people drink beer and the children drink small beer. Nick takes care of Bridget's water since so many people come here. We are lucky to have people with Water gifts in this town to help purify the water." I noticed Hector start shifting uncomfortably after Raynor's statement. Odd. But his presence reminded me of my new job. I wonder if he knew.
"Thanks for letting me come by tomorrow to help out." I took a gamble and spoke as if it was his idea. If he didn't know, then he would soon.
"It was Ellyne's idea. Goodwife Bishop saw us outside and asked about a way for you to help. My wife volunteered quickly. I think she likes you." Hector smiled. I snorted at the thought. She liked the idea of trying to play matchmaker again, I'm sure. "And it will be Monday, not tomorrow." Hector added.
I remembered Bridget saying something about being ready for Sunday and a day off earlier this week. I guess that means no working over at the Teague's either. I thought about what Hector said realizing Bridget saw them outside before the episode with Raynor. Well, I guess I was getting fired no matter the disaster with the pastry. I was relieved it was not from that incident. I cringed again remembering the pastry and looked at Raynor.
"Sorry about the teacake. It was a practice one and I forgot to throw them out." Raynor's mouth dropped open.
"That was you?" He asked horrified.
"Accidentally," I admitted. I had the urge to leave their presence immediately with the look Raynor was giving me. "Thanks again, Hector. I'll see you Monday. I've got to go find Rose now." I scooted away from the look on Raynor's face and the confusion on Hectors. Raynor's voice carried as he spoke to Hector.
"Whatever you do, do not let her in your kitchen on Monday. Or any day she comes over." His deep voice held a warning. I sped up not wanting to hear any more. I guess this is what I would be remembered in history for. My inability to make edible food.
My embarrassment pushed me to the realization that this was like all my projects. I just needed to try again until I got it right. No matter how much I did not want to fail again. I'll prove Raynor wrong and he will love my food before I leave. Then I'll surprise Abby when I get home and make her something I perfect from this time. I got a pep in my step at the thought.
10
I was getting used to the long days that started early. Granny had to wake me up at first, but I woke on my own now. By the time Granny barged into my room this morning I was already sitting up and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. She grunted which I took as a “Good, you're up”.
"Here, wear this one today." She handed me a yellow dress with floral patterns that was cleaner than the other two I had been using.
I got up and grabbed it with a yawn. "What do we do on Sundays since we don't work?" I asked as I sat back on the bed. I was okay with the idea of going back to sleep honestly.
"Church. Get up and bathe first. Comb out your hair and make sure your teeth are clean. Then practice shutting up." I snorted at her snapping answers.
"I bathed last night." No need to mention that I had planned on cleaning up again anyway.
"Bathe again." She put her hands on her hips to give me her full attention. "You think the people judge you now, that will be double so during the Sabbath. Look pretty, keep your mouth shut and thoughts to yourself during service. Stay with me and you should be fine."
"I guess churches are the same everywhere you go," I replied.
"I wouldn't know. But it's best to be prepared." I gave her a questioning look that she ignored before she walked out. Well, alright then.
I bathe and brush my teeth, feeling like a child doing as their parents told them to before bed. At least that's the way the movies portray it. In real life, I found out about hygiene when the other kids told me I stunk.
Shaking off the thoughts, I made myself as presentable as possible. I even made sure all my hair was tucked back and covered under the bonnet so no flyaway would bother other people. I snorted at that thought. I can't wait for the day when I can look how I want to again and tell people to kiss my ass when they say something about it.
Granny entered again in a whirlwind to look me over. It was still dark outside, and I was surprised she was putting this much effort into just going to church.
"How long does church last? I'm ready for sleeping the day away." She stiffened a bit at my comment.
"Today is the Sabbath day. You do nothing today except worship. If anyone asks, that is what you are doing. No work, no fun. You don't get together with anyone. You don't even tell people about your bath." She looked at me seriously.
"You're really religious, huh?" I questioned. She let out a sigh then sank onto my bed looking tired.
"You must come from somewhere much different. You speak differently and act more forward, but I assumed you were just uncouth. And here you are not realizing how t
he world works." She looked at me strangely. "If I ask you to take me to where you come from, would you?" She surprised me by asking gently.
I swallowed hard before slowly shaking my head no. I didn't honestly know how to get back there myself, so I could not promise to take someone else with me. I watched as Granny nodded in acceptance then transformed into determination.
"Then as long as you are here, you follow me. You learn from me. If we are stubborn and still follow the ways, we are not liked, but we live. If we are disobedient and challenging, we may not." She stood up and faced me placing her hands on my shoulder. "Now what are you going to do today?" She asked.
"Follow you and practice shutting up," I answered determinedly back.
"Good girl." Her eyes crinkled as she smiled.
Church took place in the meetinghouse and was filled with people of all ages. It looked like everyone from the village was here. The women and children were on one side of the room and the men were on the other. The raised platform that was in front of the office door held the minister who was holding his bible. People were still arriving, and I stayed close to Granny as we went to the women's side.
I was never one for church. Forced to go as a child, I often felt it was simply a time to pretend my life was perfect in front of everyone else. I took Abby anytime she wanted to go, but never felt the need to do so every Sunday and had no qualms to start anytime soon. This church seemed no different than my childhood experiences. The judgmental eyes of those around you and the false polite conversations murmured before the sermon began. Then again, I never fit in anywhere so maybe I was being biased.
That was where the similarities stopped however. The sermon was full of so many 'you are not worthy' and 'sin' comments that I tuned out quickly. I found myself pretending to pay attention however when a man was walking around with a strange cane that he used to whack sleeping children with. The older adults that would start drifting off got a different treatment. There were feathers tied on one end of the cane. I watched the man tickle a sleeping older man's chin to wake him. Granny pinched my hand when she caught my eyes drifting and I quickly looked towards Pastor Winters again.